Since kicking off its Osmo Action series back in 2019, DJI has been relentlessly pushing what an action camera can do. While GoPro essentially owned the space for years, DJI came in with dual screens and RockSteady stabilization. Six generations later, they’ve dropped something we haven’t seen before: an action cam with a variable aperture.
Breaking the Fixed Aperture Mold
Action cameras have always relied on fixed apertures — typically f/2.8 — because the tiny form factor and rugged demands of the category made variable apertures impractical. DJI just ignored that limitation. The Osmo Action 6 features an f/2.0 to f/4.0 range. Opening up to f/2.0 doubles the light intake compared to f/2.8, meaning you can shoot in darker conditions without cranking ISO into oblivion. Flip to f/4.0 on bright days and you get deeper depth of field while avoiding blown-out highlights. There’s even a Starburst mode that shrinks the aperture to turn city lights into those classic lens flares.
The camera doesn’t give you full manual control over every f-stop increment, which seems like a missed opportunity for advanced users. Instead, you choose between fixed f/2.8 or Auto mode with adjustable aperture ranges. Still, for an action camera, this is territory nobody else is playing in yet.
Square Sensor, Custom Cropping
The other standout here is DJI’s custom 1/1.1-inch square CMOS sensor with 2.4 μm fusion large pixels. It’s bigger than the 1/1.3-inch sensor in last year’s Action 5 Pro and significantly larger than what GoPro is working with. More sensor real estate translates to better low-light performance and a claimed 13.5 stops of dynamic range.
Similar to what Apple did with the iPhone 17’s front camera, this square-format design gives you flexibility in post. The new 4K Custom mode captures 3,840 x 3,840 square video at 60fps, so you can crop to horizontal, vertical, or any social media aspect ratio without losing resolution. The sensor also supports 4K at 120fps in 4:3, with 10-bit D-Log M for color grading.
Built for the Elements
DJI didn’t skimp on durability. The Action 6 carries an IP68 rating with 20m waterproofing out of the box — 60m with the waterproof case. A built-in color temperature sensor corrects underwater footage automatically, and the pressure gauge logs dive data. It also handles temps down to -4°F, backed by a 1,950mAh battery that delivers four hours of recording and charges to 80% in 22 minutes.
Storage bumps to 50GB internally, expandable via microSD. The camera also integrates with DJI’s OsmoAudio ecosystem, connecting directly to two Mic 2, Mic 3, or Mic Mini transmitters without needing a receiver — perfect for dual-source audio capture.
Spec Sheet
Sensor: 1/1.1-inch square CMOS with 2.4 μm fusion large pixels
Aperture: Variable f/2.0 to f/4.0
Dynamic Range: 13.5 stops
Video Resolution: 4K/120fps (4:3), 4K/60fps (SuperNight mode), 1080p/240fps
Slow Motion: Up to 32x (interpolated to 960fps equivalent)
Stabilization: RockSteady 3.0/3.0+, HorizonBalancing, HorizonSteady
Waterproof: IP68 (20m without case, 60m with case)
Battery: 1,950mAh (4-hour runtime, 80% charge in 22 minutes)
Storage: 50GB internal + microSD slot
Audio: OsmoAudio support for dual transmitter connection
Display: 2.5-inch rear touchscreen, 1.46-inch front touchscreen
Color Modes: 10-bit D-Log M, six Film Tone presets
Pricing & Availability
The Osmo Action 6 is available now in Standard Combo configuration from retailers like B&H for around $379, which includes the camera, Extreme Battery Plus, Quick-Release Adapter Mount, and cables. An Adventure Combo adds two extra batteries, a multifunctional battery case, and a 1.5m extension rod. Accessories like the Macro Lens, FOV Boost Lens, and ND Filter Set are sold separately.
Recap
DJI Osmo Action 6 Camera
DJI just launched the Osmo Action 6 with the first variable aperture we’ve seen in an action camera, letting you shoot from f/2.0 to f/4.0 for better low-light performance and creative control. It also packs a larger square sensor that makes it ridiculously easy to crop footage for different social media formats without losing quality.
